I don't think it has been cut, look at this pic of my little girl age 12 weeks and length is exactly the same I started wrapping and banding from this time to encourage growth and also get her use to having hair 'in' now at 9 months she has just enough to do first section top knot and heaps to do 2nd one. Of course was not helped by loss of complete 'fringe' at 4 months when silly mummy had clipper accident :(

he looks super nice.it's doesn't seem they cut his hair but even if you cut the tips it helps growing the hair, so it's not such a big disaster.And then don't worry he is black and when he will be in show coat you will wish not to have all that hair

You are right, HOTW. Even when he doesn't have bands in the hair it naturally goes to each side and he can still see pretty well. Here he is at 5 months old this morning. I think it should be at the one ponytail point, but it is a nice texture for puppy hair. Maybe it's seems shorter because it's curlier (that's my wishful theory anyway ). It will be at one band in a few more weeks I think.

If you look closely, you can see his long eyelashes (particularly on his left eye).

I have not read all the posts. But as a groomer I am really upset that some of you think thy groomers just 'do what they want'. If an owner tells me not to do something I don't do it. Especially if you specify that the dog is a show dog. Groomers may not know how to do show grooms. But we are people as well. Don't just judge and think we did something.

Lilith, I appreciate your comments. I have been going to my groomer for a long time. They don't know show cuts, but I have always trusted them to do what I ask. I love my 'pet' groomers. My dogs breeder does not and would prefer I drive to a show groomer. The trouble is- I live pretty far from any real show groomers. It would mean driving, hanging around for hours doing what? I thought I would like to show Jazz, but the poodle hair aspect of showing AKC is so overwhleming. I am not sure I am up for it. sigh. Plus, the shows I have been to lately are all handlers. My dogs breeder is several hours away. I have the number and name of a show groomer who is an hour away, but they only do show grooms on Tuesdays and I work every Tuesday. So, I take a day off to have my dogs hair cut or I throw in the towel and shave him down and do UKC. That's where I am at with hair. I can't even have him wear a collar! What if he gets lost? Poodle hair issues are so ridiculous.

Outwest dont worry too much about the handlers.. I know easier said than done. Take some handling classes and practice with your pup, you have the advantage if you take the time to do so. He will show for you, and you can look like a strong team together. If your dog is nice enough he will do his fare share of winning! Coat care is tough and time consuming, but I find it rewarding! Of course I only have a mini and I complained a lot when I moved up from a toy.. easy peasy!!!

__________________Laura, Eve, and Fergie

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Heck start off showing UKC & when you get a foothold into the conformation ring & the joy of handling your dog yourself then move up to AKC. You can have your dog in a fuller cut in UKC if you desire so leave your dogs coat as is & let it grow out to AKC standards if you like. UKC NO SPRAYING. I will be going into the UKC conformation ring for the 1st time in 2013 & can't wait.

I personally feel that your pup is just a little challenged in the TK area for AKC right now. Just fine for UKC. I don't think the groomer touched anything on the TK looks the same length 1 wk later. I have a OT/Mini that takes 3 months to grow out her TK from 1 groom show to another. I think my new addition will grow lots of coat. She is now 16wks & I got her 1 wk ago, her TK is in horns right now but I had to get the hair out of her eyes. I did though trim off the eyelashes. One does take off the Lashes right? Who would put the eyelashes up in the TK? Here is Echo at 16 wks without her hair in a TK.

Hi 3Dog ... Is the thumbnail in your signature your dog that you wish to show? If so, you will not be able to show AKC whatsoever since the toy is parti-colored and AKC does not allow Parti. So UKC is where you will find your show experience.